Embedded Software Engineer- HF Comms

Thales Secure Information and Communication Systems (SIX) is seeking an experienced Embedded Software Engineer with a focus on HF communications. This role involves developing innovative embedded software solutions for radios, modems, and power amplifiers. Key responsibilities include designing, implementing, debugging, and testing software for optimal performance, ensuring compliance with engineering standards, and contributing to design specifications. The engineer will deliver fully tested, maintainable software and report progress to leadership, supporting team delivery goals.

Must Have

• Develop software for embedded systems using modern C++ (11+) and Python
• Develop test harnesses and automated tests in CI/CD environments
• Experience with Boost and C++ STL components
• Familiarity with WebSockets, SNMP, and Serial interfaces
• Work within Linux environments
• Knowledge of Agile practices (Scrum, JIRA)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office for documentation
• Interest in HF communications innovation

Good to Have

• Experience in multi-process and multi-threaded software development
• Full development lifecycle experience (requirements to validation)
• Experience developing low-level drivers and working with hardware
• Knowledge of RTOS and Buildroot
• Experience using modern build systems (Make)
• Familiarity with UML and Rhapsody (automated code generation)
• Hands-on experience with GIT/Bitbucket for version control
• Experience configuring CI pipelines (Jenkins)
• Familiarity with static analysis and code quality tools (Coverity, SonarQube)
• Understanding of secure coding standards and safety/security-critical C++ development
• Experience using CxxTest unit test framework

Perks & Benefits

• Market leading training, development and experiences
• Mentorship and coaching
• Opportunities for career progression within a global organisation
• Flexible working options (part-time, job sharing, home working, flex start/finish times)
• Hybrid working
• Competitive base salary
• Variable compensation plan bonus
• Half day every Friday (finishing around 13:00pm)
• Pension Scheme
• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Life Cover
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• Access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes
• Development focused targets
• Relocation support (if required)
• Inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process

Thales people architect solutions at the heart of the defence-security continuum. Interoperable and secure information and telecommunications systems for defence, security, and civil operators, are based upon innovative use of radiocommunications, networks, and cybersecurity. We are ground breaking new digital technologies such as 4G mobile communications, cryptography, cloud computing and big data for use in physical protection systems, and critical information systems.

Together we offer fantastic opportunities for committed employees to learn and develop their career with us. At Thales UK, we research, develop, and supply technology and services that impact the lives of millions of people each day to make life better, and keep us safer. We innovate across the major industries of Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space. Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

Our Opportunity:

At Thales Secure Information and Communication Systems (SIX), we have an exciting opportunity and are looking to recruit an experienced Embedded Software Engineer HF Comms with a focus on HF communications, where you will play a crucial role in the development of innovative embedded software solutions.

You will collaborate with the technical leadership to design, implement, and support high-quality software that meets current engineering standards and delivery practices.

The role and overview of key responsibilities:

• Development of HF communications for radios, modems and power amplifiers.
• Conduct debugging and testing of software for optimal performance in embedded systems.
• Deliver fully tested, maintainable software in line with defined project objectives.
• Contribute to the production of clear and traceable design specifications for new or modified functionality.
• Ensure compliance with governance policies, secure coding practices, and design review procedures.
• Report progress regularly to the Software Lead and Software Engineering Delivery Manager, supporting team delivery goals.

About You:

We would love to hear from you if have:

• Genuine interest in HF communications with aspirations to innovate in this field
• Strong experience in developing software for embedded systems using modern C++ (11 onwards minimum) and Python (for testing)
• Proven capability in the development of test harnesses and the design and implementation of automated tests within CI/CD environments
• Proven experience with commonly used tools and libraries, including Boost and standard C++ STL components
• Familiarity with communication protocols such as WebSockets, SNMP, and Serial interfaces
• Experience working within Linux environments
• Working knowledge of Agile practices such as Scrum, including toolchains like JIRA
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office for technical documentation and communication

Desirable:

• Experience in multi-process and multi-threaded software development
• Full development lifecycle experience, including requirements capture, design, implementation, testing, integration, verification and validation
• Experience developing low-level drivers and working with embedded systems or hardware components
• Knowledge of RTOS and Buildroot
• Experience in using modern build systems, automated using Make
• Familiarity with UML and Rhapsody, ideally for automated code generation
• Hands-on experience with GIT/Bitbucket for version control and configuration management
• Experience configuring and maintaining CI pipelines using Jenkins or similar automation platforms
• Familiarity with static analysis and code quality tools, e.g. Coverity, SonarQube
• Understanding of secure coding standards and safety/security-critical development requirements for C++.
• Experience using CxxTest unit test framework integrated into the broader build and delivery workflow.

Security Clearance statement:

Due to the nature of the work that we do at Thales, many of our roles are subject to security restrictions. This role requires you to be a UK National and achieve Security Clearance (SC) without any caveats. It would be advantageous if currently held, however, if not currently held, it is a requirement that the successful applicant undergo, achieve, and maintain SC Clearance prior to commencing employment. If approved by the MOD, a dual national from a Non-ITAR country may be considered. Please visit the UKSV website for further guidance.

To be eligible for full SC, you generally need to have resided in the UK for the last 5 years. In some circumstances, a minimum of 3 years’ residence in the UK over the last 5 years may be accepted, with additional overseas checks.

What we can offer:

We are committed to giving you opportunities to be your best. We believe in embracing the passion and potential of our people, and to achieve this we offer market leading training, development and experiences, along with the opportunity to be mentored and coached by some of the smartest minds in the industry. We hire from within as our first priority, so you will have a myriad of opportunities within our diverse, global organisation.

Flexibility

Your health and well-being matters to us and that’s why we offer you the flexibility to do what’s important to you; whether that’s part time hours, job sharing, home working, or the ability to flex your start and finish times. Where possible, we support a working pattern that suits your lifestyle and helps you reach your ambitions.

The Work Environment

At Thales, we believe in flexible SMART working and have the expectation this role will be delivered through a combination of remote and office based collaborative working. When working in the office, you will be based at the largest Thales site in the UK, featuring access to a wide variety of resources including manufacturing, environmental and electromagnetic test facilities and specialised laboratories. The modern site includes a subsidised restaurant, a café, break out spaces, bicycle storage facilities and more.

Benefits at Thales

Alongside a competitive base salary, we offer a variable compensation plan bonus and benefits package, which includes;

• Half day every Friday, usually finishing around 13:00pm
• Hybrid working
• Pension Scheme
• 28 days annual leave (Plus Bank Holidays)
• Life Cover
• Progression and Development Opportunities
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
• Employee discount shopping schemes on major brands and retailers
• Development focused targets and relocation support can be provided if required along with a variety of learning, development and career enhancement opportunities.

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales.

#LI-RS1

In line with Thales' Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK and employment and/or education history for up to three years. Some vacancies may require full Security Clearance which can require further evidence to be provided. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

At Thales we provide CAREERS and not only jobs. With Thales employing 80,000 employees in 68 countries our mobility policy enables thousands of employees each year to develop their careers at home and abroad, in their existing areas of expertise or by branching out into new fields. Together we believe that embracing flexibility is a smarter way of working.

Thales UK is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment process. We will provide reasonable adjustments and support to ensure neuro-diverse applicants or those with a disability or long-term condition can be their best during the recruitment process. To request an adjustment, if you need this job advert in an alternative format or if you have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact Resourcing Ops for mid to senior roles, or the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great journeys start here, apply now!